Prada arrives in abu dhabi

he much anticipated opening of Prada Abu Dhabi has arrived, and the Marina Mall store lives up to the Italian label’s flair for minimal chic.

With an 80 square metre area, Prada enlisted architect Roberto Bachiocchi for the capital’s first branch. The exterior is clad in the label’s signature black Marquina marble while the interior carpeting combines beige with black and green to offset the mirrored walls and polished cabinets.

Prada Abu Dhabi now stocks S/S 2013 women’s ready-to-wear and accessories as well as footwear and bags. You can expect to see the brand’s classic bags and shoes and the latest in small leather goods, plus the new collection of embellished slippers.

The shop also carries selected pieces from the new men’s luggage and accessories collection.

This season’s womenswear show was all about Oriental-inspired silk shi s in black, cream and red. Three dimensional flower prints on kimono-style blouses and jackets, heavy with dramatic origami folds and body skimming silhouettes.

Abu Dhabi customers have the opportunity to get their hands on a Special Edition Cocco Lucido Lux Pyramide handbag, made of the finest crocodile skin. The pieces are exclusive to the store and were brought over to celebrate Prada’s arrival in the capital.

The Pyramide bag was launched at the Spring/Summer 2012 collection in the label’s classic Saffiano leather, and was spotted on the arm of Florence Welch, Diane Kruger and January Jones. This version is now on display in Marina Mall and available for purchase. Prada, Marina Mall, 02 681 4918, www.prada.com